Artist, Arc'teryx apologize for fireworks display controversy

Chinese firework artist Cai Guoqiang and outdoor brand Arc'teryx apologized on Sunday after staging a fireworks display in the Himalaya Mountains that drew widespread criticism for its potential environment impact in the Xizang autonomous region's high-altitude plateau.

On Friday, Cai ignited three sets of fireworks in Gyalze county, Shigatse city, at an altitude of about 5,500 meters as part of his art project, Ascending Dragon. The fireworks, designed to symbolize vitality and auspiciousness in Chinese culture, used powders the organizers claimed were biodegradable and verified by international tests.

However, the video of the show, which was released the following day, quickly spread online and triggered heated debate. Critics questioned whether the event could disturb wildlife, damage vegetation, or pollute the high-altitude ecosystem despite assurances from the organizers.

In a statement posted on his WeChat official account, Cai said he and his studio took the public's concerns seriously and "humbly accept all criticism of our artistic creation on the plateau".

"We indeed overlooked many aspects, and I deeply apologize," Cai said, pledging to work with third-party agencies and local authorities to assess any environmental impact and carry out remediation if needed.

Local authorities in Shigatse announced on Sunday that they had formed an investigation team to conduct on-site checks and would handle the matter in accordance with the law.

Arc'teryx, owned by Finland-based Amer Sports and partly controlled by China's Anta Group, also issued an apology, vowing to "sincerely accept all criticism and suggestions" and take corrective actions based on environmental assessments and public feedback.

Organizers said that precautionary measures were taken, including relocating livestock, guiding away small animals, and restoring meadows and farmland immediately after the fireworks. They stressed that the event was categorized as "low risk", with noise and light pollution below that of regular fireworks.

Despite these claims, netizens and outdoor enthusiasts expressed skepticism, arguing that fireworks in such a fragile ecosystem risked long-term harm. Some accused Arc'teryx of hypocrisy, saying the move contradicted its public stance on environmental stewardship.

Arc'teryx has seen rapid growth in recent years. According to Amer Sports' 2024 annual report, the brand's revenue jumped 36 percent last year to $2.19 billion.